Well ...what can I say ...I was nervous about stepping on a scale again after spending a month in Europe. Needless to say, I was really amazed and psyched to see that I had not only maintained but had shed a few pounds along the way!
I suspect that all the walking paid off as well as being conscious about what I was eating. I feel renewed and ready to tackle the next 15 lbs in order to reach my immediate goal of gifting Structure House with the first 50.
I returned to work today with mixed emotions. I have spent a fair amount of time these past few months contemplating my next steps. Recognising that it was time for me to make a move was clear and now - with the knowledge that my time here with XL will come to an end very soon is a little daunting. It's ironic as in some respects, it seems that both the company and I are undergoing a major transition. I am positive that although some of the change does not always feel that great - that we will both emerge stronger and even more successful than we have been to date!
This week also marks the end of an era for one of the members of my team. She decided while I was away - that it was time for her to make some changes in her life. We have a busy week ahead - so a farewell breakfast was organized for this morning. The organizers went all out with a full spread ranging from french toast to omelette's, bacon (crispy), sausages, pastries, bread and fruit! It's been a long time since I have had eggs & bacon - and was surprised to find that it didn't taste as good as I remembered! Which ...was a relief - I will revert to what has become my standard fare tomorrow :-)).
The month ahead will no doubt provide me with lots of opportunities to test all that I have learned to date. I am trying to be conscious of the importance of creating a balance that works for me. I took my work out clothes with me to the office and was determined to go to the gym this evening. I found myself waning - especially as there were people wanting to talk to me - however, the clock was ticking - and so made my way there 30 minutes before it closed. I didn't get to do the 45 minutes that I had planned but managed to squeeze in 37.13 minutes (according to the treadmill). The cleaner came in and allowed me to stay a little longer :-) -- I also had a little walk at lunchtime - it felt good to get some fresh air ...but have to say ...the sun was hot ...and by the time I returned to the office I was ready for the air conditioning to be turned on high!
Well - tis late ....and I have an early start - so ... goodnight all!
Lots of love,
Norma
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Time is ticking
It is amazing how fast time can pass by - it seems like only yesterday that I arrived here in the UK - when in fact it's been just over 3 weeks! The first few days passed by quickly as we were getting organized for our train journey with Mel. When I arrived, no fixed plans had been made, save that we would travel by rail.
While both Mel & Tish were quite happy to play everything by ear -it did not work for me. I was acutely aware that we were planning to travel around the same time that schools were breaking for summer holidays and that finding reasonably priced accommodation in Europe would be a challenge.
So - I sat down with Tish and worked out a route, identified places where we would overnight. Mel & Tish had decided that if we travelled at night- we could sleep on the train and explore the various cities during the day. I was very conscious of my inability to truly sleep on moving vehicles and aware that I needed to ensure that I look after myself - so made sure that the night following any night train would see us in a hotel.
We packed up our rucksacks and set off for our grand tour - we were going to Belgium, Italy (via Frankfort), Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic (to see Randy + the boys), back to Austria (where I would hop on a flight to return to the UK, and Mel & Tish would then hit Germany and the Netherlands before returning to the UK.
We soon discovered that keeping connected to the Internet while travelling would be a challenge. Although we lugged a laptop around with us - we really only managed to connect once - and at that point we were all pretty tired and had no energy to use it.
After one night on a sleeper - I declared that I would not travel by night for the remainder of the trip. So, made arrangements to travel by day (Mel & Tish took the sleeper) and booked a hotel en route to Vienna - I caught up with them in Vienna. Although our passes allowed us to travel first class - we soon discovered that we had to reserve our spots in advance. It seems that most people want to travel first class and often found that first class was sold out!
We lucked out the first night and secured a first class berth in the sleeper train. The image I had created in my mind of what it would resemble and the reality were vastly different. As you know - I am not a small person .... nor am I short. The room was very narrow with three berth's one on top of each other. Sitting was not an option - without being very hunched! While there was a little basin in the room ...there was no bathroom - just a ladder to climb to get to the middle and top bunk.
I looked at the itty bitty space - and was ready to call it quits. Mel jumped into hyper mode and went scurrying after one of the train porters to see if there was a single or larger room for us. Thankfully, we managed to secure an extra room - and I forked out an additional 65 Euros. It was a long night - but there was space to breath and think. By morning I had resolved that I would not take another night train for the remainder of our trip.
Rather than let it simmer, I calmly announced my resolution to Tish & Mel and set about making arrangements that would allow me to continue on the trip in a manner that worked for me. In making the declaration, I realized how far I've come these last few months. In the past, I would have made do ...I would not have been happy and my mood would have deteriorated pretty quickly. Along the way, I would have held many conversations with myself, expressing my frustration . . . not verbalizing would allowed my frustrations & anger to simmer away . . . until they reached a boiling point. Boiling point would result in me spitting bullets at all who dared to cross my path!
My new found awareness and desire to take care of myself - provided me with the impetuous to consider options that would allow me to nurture myself as well as spend time with people I care very much for and explore places I've never been before.
In this respect the trip was very successful. WOOHOO!!! .... PROGRESS!
Exercising and eating regularly as well as healthy proved to be much much harder to achieve. We did do a lot of walking (usually several hours daily) - but did not manage to do any other exercise. Mel did manage to get a bike ride in while we were in Venice -she discovered the racks of street bikes that you could rent by the hour. Perhaps it was the places we chose to eat, but there were not a lot of choices when it came to meals. We did try something local - every where we went - and in so doing discovered that the countries we were visiting - the food was fairly heavy.
I did make peace with this (after all this was all about me applying what I have learnt since I commenced this dance) and resolved that at the very least I would aim to maintain what I have achieved to date. We'll see what the scale reveals when I step on them on Saturday morning.
I suspect that there will be a difference - and the stark reality will provide me with the incentive to get back on track. I will have to plot out a plan for the coming weeks as I know that there will be much to be done upon my return to work on Monday. I am determined to get into the gym again - I did managed to scheduled a few Pilates sessions while here in the UK and could feel the difference when I went yesterday (following our European trip) - so can imagine that it will take a few trips to the gym to return to the levels that I was at when I left Structure House.
I'm looking forward to resuming the dance - I have no doubt that my return to work will require me to adjust some of the steps that I've learnt so far - and this is OK - after all it's my time to dance and quite frankly it is up to me to ensure that the dance continues!
Thanks for all of our your support - this next chapter will likely be a rocky one - - - one that will require all hands on deck!
Take care & lots of love,
Norma
While both Mel & Tish were quite happy to play everything by ear -it did not work for me. I was acutely aware that we were planning to travel around the same time that schools were breaking for summer holidays and that finding reasonably priced accommodation in Europe would be a challenge.
So - I sat down with Tish and worked out a route, identified places where we would overnight. Mel & Tish had decided that if we travelled at night- we could sleep on the train and explore the various cities during the day. I was very conscious of my inability to truly sleep on moving vehicles and aware that I needed to ensure that I look after myself - so made sure that the night following any night train would see us in a hotel.
We packed up our rucksacks and set off for our grand tour - we were going to Belgium, Italy (via Frankfort), Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic (to see Randy + the boys), back to Austria (where I would hop on a flight to return to the UK, and Mel & Tish would then hit Germany and the Netherlands before returning to the UK.
We soon discovered that keeping connected to the Internet while travelling would be a challenge. Although we lugged a laptop around with us - we really only managed to connect once - and at that point we were all pretty tired and had no energy to use it.
After one night on a sleeper - I declared that I would not travel by night for the remainder of the trip. So, made arrangements to travel by day (Mel & Tish took the sleeper) and booked a hotel en route to Vienna - I caught up with them in Vienna. Although our passes allowed us to travel first class - we soon discovered that we had to reserve our spots in advance. It seems that most people want to travel first class and often found that first class was sold out!
We lucked out the first night and secured a first class berth in the sleeper train. The image I had created in my mind of what it would resemble and the reality were vastly different. As you know - I am not a small person .... nor am I short. The room was very narrow with three berth's one on top of each other. Sitting was not an option - without being very hunched! While there was a little basin in the room ...there was no bathroom - just a ladder to climb to get to the middle and top bunk.
I looked at the itty bitty space - and was ready to call it quits. Mel jumped into hyper mode and went scurrying after one of the train porters to see if there was a single or larger room for us. Thankfully, we managed to secure an extra room - and I forked out an additional 65 Euros. It was a long night - but there was space to breath and think. By morning I had resolved that I would not take another night train for the remainder of our trip.
Rather than let it simmer, I calmly announced my resolution to Tish & Mel and set about making arrangements that would allow me to continue on the trip in a manner that worked for me. In making the declaration, I realized how far I've come these last few months. In the past, I would have made do ...I would not have been happy and my mood would have deteriorated pretty quickly. Along the way, I would have held many conversations with myself, expressing my frustration . . . not verbalizing would allowed my frustrations & anger to simmer away . . . until they reached a boiling point. Boiling point would result in me spitting bullets at all who dared to cross my path!
My new found awareness and desire to take care of myself - provided me with the impetuous to consider options that would allow me to nurture myself as well as spend time with people I care very much for and explore places I've never been before.
In this respect the trip was very successful. WOOHOO!!! .... PROGRESS!
Exercising and eating regularly as well as healthy proved to be much much harder to achieve. We did do a lot of walking (usually several hours daily) - but did not manage to do any other exercise. Mel did manage to get a bike ride in while we were in Venice -she discovered the racks of street bikes that you could rent by the hour. Perhaps it was the places we chose to eat, but there were not a lot of choices when it came to meals. We did try something local - every where we went - and in so doing discovered that the countries we were visiting - the food was fairly heavy.
I did make peace with this (after all this was all about me applying what I have learnt since I commenced this dance) and resolved that at the very least I would aim to maintain what I have achieved to date. We'll see what the scale reveals when I step on them on Saturday morning.
I suspect that there will be a difference - and the stark reality will provide me with the incentive to get back on track. I will have to plot out a plan for the coming weeks as I know that there will be much to be done upon my return to work on Monday. I am determined to get into the gym again - I did managed to scheduled a few Pilates sessions while here in the UK and could feel the difference when I went yesterday (following our European trip) - so can imagine that it will take a few trips to the gym to return to the levels that I was at when I left Structure House.
I'm looking forward to resuming the dance - I have no doubt that my return to work will require me to adjust some of the steps that I've learnt so far - and this is OK - after all it's my time to dance and quite frankly it is up to me to ensure that the dance continues!
Thanks for all of our your support - this next chapter will likely be a rocky one - - - one that will require all hands on deck!
Take care & lots of love,
Norma
Friday, July 4, 2008
Independence Day
While the 4th of July marks Independence Day in the United States, it has come to be a day that symbolizes independence for me personally. While working for XL's Bermuda office it was a day to relish as it was a day off while the rest of the island worked. For me, it was a day where I could catch up on the things that I had been meaning to do. It also a special day for us, as we signed the papers for Soiree on July 4th and took occupancy.
I remember the excitement we had as we wandered around our little abode - we had boxes everywhere, and lots of unpacking to do - but it became our oasis that summer. Over the years it became our home and along the way we acquired lots of great memories.
Although we no longer live in Soiree, it still holds a special place in our hearts. Especially this last year or so, where we found ourselves living in different countries. It's those memories that has kept the fire going. It's that same oasis that we both find ourselves yearning for when times are rough.
Many ask how we do it .... while there are times when I wonder how as well .... There is an an incredible connection between us that runs deep. It is this connection which provides a sense of security that enables us to respond to this question with a level of comfort. We know that this current arrangement is only temporary - we both know that we'll be back under the same roof (in the same country) soon.
It now appears that the "soon" we referred to is going to be a little longer than we initially anticipated. As things turn out - the job that we hoped would result in a return to Bermuda has not materialized, in it's place is one that is a great opportunity to get a sound training and experience in the UK. So ...the long distance commute will continue for the foreseeable future.
As I ponder my next steps, I know in my heart that I can not continue the job(s) that I did prior to commencing this dance. One of my challenges during this dance has been to consider which one of various hats that I will elect to wear upon my return later this month.
I recognise that I am a woman of many talents and have historically been challenged to stick to just one thing. I have fought this since I was a child and here I am some 40 years later ...still fighting it! I don't like being hemmed or boxed in. I love variety and rising to a challenge, especially new ones. The thought of wearing the same "hat" day in ...day out ... just doesn't appeal to me.
Years ago when I worked in the theatre, I loved improvisation - I also loved embracing a new script, breathing life into the words and performing -however - once it came to life, I was ready to move on. The thought of performing the same role night after night killed it for me.
Having been with the same company for the last 12 years, I feel as if I have had a good run and it is now time for me to move on. The thought of moving on is frightening, especially in today's economy. Remaining for comfort only - just doesn't seem feasible anymore. These last few months have helped me to realise how I had used my job as a crutch for not living life fully.
As I move forward with my life, shedding the excess weight, baggage and "stuff" from yesteryear's, I am re-discovering parts of me that I had forgotten as well as discovering new things. It's been an incredible journey so far and can only imagine what lies ahead. For now, I'm practicing the joy of remaining in the moment, taking each day as it comes.
I came across this quote today while looking at the website of a Master Certified Coach - "Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. One man with courage makes a majority." -- Andrew Jackson. I thought it timely and quite appropriate for independence day - it truly is time for me to stop thinking ...and to get on with life!
Care to join me?
Lots of love,
Norma
I remember the excitement we had as we wandered around our little abode - we had boxes everywhere, and lots of unpacking to do - but it became our oasis that summer. Over the years it became our home and along the way we acquired lots of great memories.
Although we no longer live in Soiree, it still holds a special place in our hearts. Especially this last year or so, where we found ourselves living in different countries. It's those memories that has kept the fire going. It's that same oasis that we both find ourselves yearning for when times are rough.
Many ask how we do it .... while there are times when I wonder how as well .... There is an an incredible connection between us that runs deep. It is this connection which provides a sense of security that enables us to respond to this question with a level of comfort. We know that this current arrangement is only temporary - we both know that we'll be back under the same roof (in the same country) soon.
It now appears that the "soon" we referred to is going to be a little longer than we initially anticipated. As things turn out - the job that we hoped would result in a return to Bermuda has not materialized, in it's place is one that is a great opportunity to get a sound training and experience in the UK. So ...the long distance commute will continue for the foreseeable future.
As I ponder my next steps, I know in my heart that I can not continue the job(s) that I did prior to commencing this dance. One of my challenges during this dance has been to consider which one of various hats that I will elect to wear upon my return later this month.
I recognise that I am a woman of many talents and have historically been challenged to stick to just one thing. I have fought this since I was a child and here I am some 40 years later ...still fighting it! I don't like being hemmed or boxed in. I love variety and rising to a challenge, especially new ones. The thought of wearing the same "hat" day in ...day out ... just doesn't appeal to me.
Years ago when I worked in the theatre, I loved improvisation - I also loved embracing a new script, breathing life into the words and performing -however - once it came to life, I was ready to move on. The thought of performing the same role night after night killed it for me.
Having been with the same company for the last 12 years, I feel as if I have had a good run and it is now time for me to move on. The thought of moving on is frightening, especially in today's economy. Remaining for comfort only - just doesn't seem feasible anymore. These last few months have helped me to realise how I had used my job as a crutch for not living life fully.
As I move forward with my life, shedding the excess weight, baggage and "stuff" from yesteryear's, I am re-discovering parts of me that I had forgotten as well as discovering new things. It's been an incredible journey so far and can only imagine what lies ahead. For now, I'm practicing the joy of remaining in the moment, taking each day as it comes.
I came across this quote today while looking at the website of a Master Certified Coach - "Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. One man with courage makes a majority." -- Andrew Jackson. I thought it timely and quite appropriate for independence day - it truly is time for me to stop thinking ...and to get on with life!
Care to join me?
Lots of love,
Norma
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Living out of a suitcase
I have to say - as much as I enjoy travelling, living out of a suitcase is not a lot of fun - especially when I am feeling a need to get things in order and sorted.
The European Coaches Conference 2008 or ECC 08 provided me with an opportunity to network with other coaches, get an idea on the business side of coaching as well as increase my learning. The days were packed and as I was a "Connecting Ambassador" it ensured that I had ample opportunities to meet new people and in some respects "reconnect" with the coaching community.
The coaching community in Bermuda is extremely small and could be described in its infancy. The prospect of leading the charge is a little daunting and at times I find myself wondering if I am up for the challenge. At the ECC 08 I felt immersed in the world of coaching and came away full of energy and a willingness to move forward towards becoming a credentialed coach and setting out on my own.
As I read through the various forms and requirements required by the ICF this week, I have to admit that it all seems a little intimidating .... The good news is that it is achievable. It may not happen as fast as I want it to - I declared at the ECC 08 - that I would aim to complete the whole process by the end of September - a lofty goal ...yes ... although realistically - it may not happen until later in the year. Ideally, I'd like to be ready in time for ICF's global conference in November. So ...we shall see!
In the meantime, we're getting ready for our rail journey around Europe. We've narrowed the original list of countries - and are now focusing more on Central / Eastern Europe - as it's more affordable.
I'm not able to update the gift tracker as I don't have a scale here where I can track my weight. It's funny - I never thought that I would miss hopping on the scale - but I do. I find that the daily ritual of weighing myself -serves as a self-check of sorts. I am also finding it challenging to establish a good routine while on the road. Initially, I was beating myself up a bit - but have reached a pact with myself - and for now - I aim to be mindful of that which I eat and fit in physical activity where possible.
I do have my NIA DVD's with me - and have managed to persuade Tish to join me a few times. I also found a Pilate's instructor who is within walking distance of us here in England. We went yesterday and will be there again tomorrow morning.
So - for now, it's one day at a time, one step at a time!
Lots of love,
Norma
The European Coaches Conference 2008 or ECC 08 provided me with an opportunity to network with other coaches, get an idea on the business side of coaching as well as increase my learning. The days were packed and as I was a "Connecting Ambassador" it ensured that I had ample opportunities to meet new people and in some respects "reconnect" with the coaching community.
The coaching community in Bermuda is extremely small and could be described in its infancy. The prospect of leading the charge is a little daunting and at times I find myself wondering if I am up for the challenge. At the ECC 08 I felt immersed in the world of coaching and came away full of energy and a willingness to move forward towards becoming a credentialed coach and setting out on my own.
As I read through the various forms and requirements required by the ICF this week, I have to admit that it all seems a little intimidating .... The good news is that it is achievable. It may not happen as fast as I want it to - I declared at the ECC 08 - that I would aim to complete the whole process by the end of September - a lofty goal ...yes ... although realistically - it may not happen until later in the year. Ideally, I'd like to be ready in time for ICF's global conference in November. So ...we shall see!
In the meantime, we're getting ready for our rail journey around Europe. We've narrowed the original list of countries - and are now focusing more on Central / Eastern Europe - as it's more affordable.
I'm not able to update the gift tracker as I don't have a scale here where I can track my weight. It's funny - I never thought that I would miss hopping on the scale - but I do. I find that the daily ritual of weighing myself -serves as a self-check of sorts. I am also finding it challenging to establish a good routine while on the road. Initially, I was beating myself up a bit - but have reached a pact with myself - and for now - I aim to be mindful of that which I eat and fit in physical activity where possible.
I do have my NIA DVD's with me - and have managed to persuade Tish to join me a few times. I also found a Pilate's instructor who is within walking distance of us here in England. We went yesterday and will be there again tomorrow morning.
So - for now, it's one day at a time, one step at a time!
Lots of love,
Norma
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